news 17 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Eight Youth Activists Jailed for 11 Months Over Anti-EACOP Protests in Kampala
Eight environmental activists from the group Rooted in Resistance have been sentenced to 11 months in prison by Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's Court for public nuisance during protests against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). They had been on remand since their arrest on August 1, 2025. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/eight-youth-activists-sentenced-to-11-months-in-prison-over-stop-eacop-protests-5427128
The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala has handed down 11-month prison sentences to eight youth activists charged with public nuisance. Grade One Magistrate Rophine Achayo convicted them under Section 65(e) of the Road Act Cap. 346.
The activists—Teopista Nakyambadde, Shammy Nalwadda, Dorothy Asio, Shafik Kalyango, Noah Kafiiti, Ismail Zziwa, Akram Katende, and Keisha Ali—belong to Rooted in Resistance, previously known as Students Against EACOP Uganda. They were arrested on August 1, 2025, while attempting to march to Stanbic Bank’s headquarters in Kampala to protest EACOP-related activities.
Prosecutors stated that the group blocked Hannington Road near Crested Tower with placards reading ‘STOP EACOP UGANDA,’ causing traffic disruptions. Despite pleading not guilty, the court found them guilty on April 17, 2026.
Defense lawyer Kato Tumusiime condemned the ruling, vowing to appeal in the High Court. He claimed it aims to suppress freedom of expression in Uganda.
The protests target the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), a 1,443 km project to transport 246,000 barrels of Ugandan crude daily from Hoima to Tanga, Tanzania. Valued at $5 billion, it involves TotalEnergies, CNOOC, UNOC, and TDC, with 55% progress reported in March 2025.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)